Heating apparatus



March 17, 1942. J, MANZER HEATING APPARATUS Filed April 6, 1940 2Sheets-Sheet l R INVENTOR,

March 17, 1942. J. MANZER HEATING APPARATUS Filed April 6, 1940 2Sheets-Sheet 2 /ERZYMANZE INVENTOR.

Patented Mar. 17 1942 UNITED ,STATES PATENT OFFICE HEATING APPARATUSJerry Manzer, Goldwater, Mich.

Application April 6, 1940, Serial No. 328,328

7 Claims- This invention relates generally to heat exchange apparatus,and primarily to a steam heating system.

f the various types or kinds of heating systems, steam has proven to beparticularly desirable, but like all efficient systems, the initialcost, installation, and maintenance is rather expensive, and beyond themeans of many who desire same.

. One particular object of the present invention is to provide aportable steam heating system, which may be easily and quickly movedabout to the desired location within the room or space to be heated.

Another important object is to provide an inexpensive unit, in whichelectricity is preferably employed for operating the same, theconstruction and arrangement being such that it is only necessary toplug the unit into the standard outlet box of an electric circuit.

Another object is to'provide a comparatively light weight, compact, anddurable unit which is silent and automatic, and particularly economicalin operation.

An additional obj ct s to provide a steam heating unit, in which theboiler thereof is placed exteriorly of the unit, but in close proximitythereto so as to provide auxiliary heating means,

and at the same time assist in heating or warming at least a portion ofthe unit prior to the time steam is generated into the unit.

' A further object is to provide a unit that will generate steam andradiate heat practically instantaneously.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a unit in whichthe parts thereof are so constructed and arranged that same may beeasilyand quickly assembled, and accessible forinspection after assembly.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent afterconsidering the description hereinafter set forth in conjunction withthe tions of which are broken away to obtain a better picture of certainparts;

Figure 1 is an enlarged horizontal sectional View of the boilerconstruction;

Figure 5 is a transverse section taken substantially on line 5-5 ofFigure 4;

. Figure 6 is directed to another embodiment of the invention, showing ahorizontal sectional view of an improved boiler construction;

Figure 7 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of this improvedboiler, taken substantially on line 1-4 of Figure 6; and

Figure 8 is a partial section taken substantially online &8 of Figure 6,15

Referring first to Figures 1 through 5 of the drawings, wherein oneembodiment to which the invention is susceptible is depicted, numeral irepresents a housing, of the so-called floor cabinet type, having anadjustable or pivotally mounted front wall or panel 2, whereby to permiteasy access to the radiator and various connected parts therewithin.-The front wall is preferably provided with grilles 3 and t, adjacent itsupper and lower extremities, respectively, in order to improve thecirculation of the air.

The radiator, convector, or heating unit is preferably comprised of aplurality of sections 5, 6, and l suitably communicatively connected together, and'disposed centrally within the cabinet, slightly above thelower grille 4. Any standard or special type of sections may be used,but those having radiating fins as shown, have proven most satisfactory.Also, any number of sections may be used, depending on the amount ofradiation required. As herein shown, the unit is supported in spacedrelation to the floor, and

independently of the cabinet by means of a pair of adjustable standards8 and 9. If found desirable the unit may be carried, or connected to awall in back of where the cabinet is to be placed.

A relatively small'substantially cylindrical boiler I0 is carried by andcommunicatively connected to the header 1 I of the heating section 5, bya supply main l2 through which steam is adapted to pass successivelyinto the sections 5 through I.

The boiler may be otherwise supported and disposed, but is preferablyplaced directly below and as near to the heating unit as is possible.

The return from the heating unit or radiator to the boiler will now bedescribed. The header 13 of the heating section 1 is provided with ashort pipe connection It to which is'attached a T IS. A pipe i6 isconnected to one end 01 this T, and to the pipe I! by a union H. Thepipe conventional radiator cabinet or H in turn is connected to a pipe I9 by a short length of pipe through the intermediation of a. pair ofelbows at. The pipes l6 and fl are preferably declined to insure anefiicient gravity return, whereas it, which is connected to the lowerextremity of the boiler it, may be more or less horizontal. The pipe 20is preferably arranged at an angle of forty five degrees, in order tofurther assist in a quick return of the condensate, prevent the backingup of any Water into the heating unit, and particularly maintain thelast section It filled with dry steam while the system is in operation.Qbviously, the return may be otherwise constructed and arranged,

but the one just described has proven exception ally efficient.

Means are provided for easily and quickly replenishing the water Withinthe boiler when the steam pressure within the system is low, and thispreferably includes a short length of pipe 22 connected to the T I5. Avertical refill pipe 23 is connected to the pipe 22 by an elbow 24. Theupper extremity of the refill pipe 23 may be provided with a funnel 25whereby to facilitate replenishment of the water. A conventional valve26 is required to shut the refill unit off from the boiler. Although thefunnel and .valve may be positioned lower than that shown, it has beenfound desirable to conceal them from view directly behind the ungrilledportions of the front panel 2, and at a convenient height, foraccessibility when the panel is moved forwardly as indicated by thedotted lines in Figure 3. If found desirable, the valve 26 could beplaced in close proximity to the elbow 24 or the T l5, in which event,the pipe 23 could be used as a standpipe with a suflicient auxiliary orsupplemental supply of water, open to the atmosphere, toreplenish theboiler over a predetermined period, and at the same time functionsubstantially the same as an evaporating pan, by admitting vapor to theheated air to thereby condition same as it is emitted from the cabinetby radiation and convection. Moreover, a tank could be associated withthe refill apparatus for holding a supply of water.

A conventional air valve 21 is also connected to the header l3 ofsection 1 for venting any cold air existent in the circulating system. Apair of vertical pipes 28 and 29 attached together by a T 30, connectsthe valve 2'! to the header. A short horizontal section of pipe 3| iattached to this T, and a vertical pipe 32 is connected to the pipe 3|by an elbow 33. A steam gauge 34 is attached to the pipe 32, and ispreferably arranged directly in back of the grille 3, so that one mayglance therethrough to take a reading. Dbviously, this gauge may beotherwise positioned; in fact it could be connected directly to theheader. All of the various pipes above referred to, provide passageswhich are more or less communicatively interconnected. The pipes are allpreferably threadedly connected together, the connections being soarranged that the pipes and other parts may be readily assembled anddisassembled. The majority of the parts, including the radiator andpipes are preferably concealed from view by the panel, thus enhancingthe general appearance of the entire unit.

Referring specifically to the construction of the boiler HI, the same ispreferably made relatively small, approximately three or four inches indiameter, and ten or eleven inches in length, so as to containapproximately one quart of water when about two thirds full, or thelevel of the water is slightly above the center of the boiler, asindicated by the dotted line in Figure 4. A conventional U-shaped waterglass 35 is detachably connected to the upper and lower extremities ofthe boiler by couplings 36, to provide a auge whereby one may quiclilyascertain whether or not water should be added to the boiler. The endsof the glass are preferably fitted into tubular protuberances formed onthe boiler. One end of the boiler near the bottom is reenforced toprovide a protuberance 3T, internally threaded as indicated at 38.

An electric immersion water heater generally designated 39 is detachablyconnected to the boiler, and among other things, includes an externallythreaded portion 40 cooperable with the threaded portion 38, a handlepart 4!, a polygonal nut portion 42 whereby the heater may be tightlysecured in place, and a plurality of elongated substantially U-shapedheating elements 43. These elements may be of the conventional type, andare arranged substantially horizontally the full length of the boilerslightly above its bottom wall. In any event, the water level must beabove the top of the heater elements while the system is in operation.This heater has a relatively high wattage, in the neighborhood of 2000watts, so that the water in the boiler may be heated to generate steampractically instantaneously, whereupon it is rapidly forced into andthrough the system, including the heating sections 5 through 1.Ordinarily, in this system, steam is generated approximately between oneand two minutes, the radiator emitting heat practically directlythereafter.

As a precautionary measure the boiler is desirably provided with asafety plug 44 adjacent the upper extremity of one end. This plug may beof the conventional type having a fusible element therein, which willmelt at a predetermined temperature, and open the interior of the boilerto the atmosphere, when for example, the boiler inadvertently becomesdry, and its metal is excessively heated directly by the immersionheater.

The end wall of the boiler opposite the one to which the heater isattached, may be provided with an integral protuberance, internallythreaded to receive the return pipe l9. This protuberance, including theprotuberance 31, is desirably disposed above the bottomof the boiler.The upper extremity of the boiler near one end may have a protuberance45, internally threaded to receive the main supply pipe l2. All of theprotuberances or projections referred to, are preferably welded to theboiler, and of course, may be exteriorly threaded in lieu of beinginternally threaded.

The boiler may be located adjacent the radiator wherever desired, but asherein shown, is preferably arranged as near thereto as is practicallypossible, so that the steam will pass di rectly into the radiatonandthus prevent dissipation of heat, which would occur if located quitesome distance therefrom. Moreover, the boiler being a separate part ofthe system will radiate heat in addition to that produced by theradiator, and being directly below the section 5, functions to keep thelatter slightly warm at certain intervals. In effect, the boiler servesas a small auxiliary radiator.

Means are arranged in conjunction with the heating system forautomatically operating it, and will now be described. The means provenmost satisfactory for accomplishing this action includes a switch 46adapted to regulate and maintain a predetermined pressure in the system,and a thermostat 41 connected in a series circuit with the switch andthe immersion heater 39. Since the switch and thermostat are of thestandard conventional type, only a brief description of them is deemednecessary. The switch 45 is communicatively connected to the'header l I.of section by a riser 48, and a number of connections 49, which positionthe switch in an offset relation to said section, behind the grille 3,so that one may view the dials 5D and 5| thereof.

The circuit, among other things, includes a line leading from the sourceS to the thermostat, a line 52 from the thermostat to the switch, a linefrom the switch to the immersion heater, and a line back to the switchand connecting with the outgoing line 53. The lines connecting theswitch and heater are preferably confined within a conduit or cable 54.

As stated above the control switch 46 is provided with dials 50 and 5!.Dial 50, which is marked with ten graduations, indicates the poundspressure cut in, whereas dial 5|, marked in five graduations, indicatesthe pounds cut out.

To set the switch whereby to maintain a predetermined differentialpressure within the system, for example, a pressure of two pounds, it isonly necessary to set each of the markers on the dials at the graduationi. To obtain a three pounds pressure in the system, the markers may beset at i and 2, on dials oil and M, respectively.

In operation, when the thermostat registers a fall in temperature, theimmersion heater functions to heat the water in the boiler to generatesteam until the desired pressure has been obtained, whereupon the switch(it opens the circuit to the immersion heater, and if the temperaturehas not attained that to which the thermostat has been set, then thecircuit to the heater is automatically closed by the switch, providedcourse, the pressure in the system falls a predetermined amount.

Referring now to Figures 5 through 8, wherein an improved boilerconstruction is shown, {it

generally designates a unit consisting of a boil c er 56 and a generator57!.

The generator is placed upon theboiler and welded thereto along thesides to provide an integral junction 58. The boiler is preferably madesmaller. and longer than the generator, and with a slightly heavier wallstructure. The junction includes the thick ness of the wall of thegenerator, wall of the boiler, and the welds. Centrally disposedintermediate the extremities of the junction there is provided aplurality of vertical apertures 59, preferably twelve in number. A rowof relatively short tubes 653, preferably about two inches' in lengthand one eighth inch inside diameter, are welded together as a unit, theunit is fitted into the apertures, and then welded in place, whereby toprovide a plurality of passages communicatively connecting the boilerand generator together. The lower extremities of the tubes aresubstantially flush with the inner face of the wall of the boiler asclearly shown in Figures '7 and 8, and their upper extremities projectslightly above the level of the water line indicated at M. The boilerand generator are adapted to contain approximately one and one halfpints of water, so that the water level is approximately at the half waymark in the generator. The junction 58 is also preferably provided witha pair of openings 82, one adjacent each extremity of the row of tubesin, order to This embodiment of the invention is adapted to be hooked upwith a circuit corresponding to the one above referred to, and inoperation, the

boiling water is projected upwardly through the tubes 60 withconsiderable force into the generator to generate steam practicallyinstantaneously, whereupon the steam is caused to pass into theradiator. During this operation, some of the hot water which isprojected into the generator is caused to circulate back into the boilerthrough the openings 62 to be re-boiled. This embodiment generatessteamsomewhat faster than the embodiment shown in Figures 1 through 5,for the reason that the boiler contains a smaller quantity of water,which may be heated to generate steam slightly in advance of the timerequired to boil the water contained in the generator.

Both embodiments of the invention are quick, positive, and emcient inoperation, and there are no parts which are likely to get out or order.In fact, when subjected to customary use they will operate for a longperiod of time, in. certain instances several months before they needattention, and then only for the purpose of add-- ing water to theboiler.

i It is to be understood that means other than an electric immersionheater may be employed for heating the water in the boiler of eitherembodiment of the invention. For example, an

oil burner; or a jet or jets of burning gas could be projected through atube Within the boiler, or against the wall of the latter.

Having thus described my invention, it is to be understood that othervarious slight changes might be made in the general forms andarrangements of parts described without departing from my invention, andhence I do not limit myself to the precise details set forth, butconsider myself at liberty to make such changes and alterations asfairly fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I desire to obtain and secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A first boiler, a second boiler overlying and engaging the firstboiler, means permanently uniting the boilers together adjacent theplace of engagement, a narrow elongated slot providing communicationbetween the boilers, a unit consisting of a plurality of parallel tubespermanently secured in said slot providing passages between the boilers,and said tube unit being of a length less than the length of the slotwhereby an auxiliary passage is provided between the boilers adjacenteach extremity of the unit.

2. A first boiler, a second boiler superimposed upon and united to thefirst boiler throughout its entire length, a narrow elongated slotprovided in the wall of each boiler, said slots cooperating to providean opening, a unit consisting of a plurality of parallel tubespermanently secured in said opening providing passages between theboilers, and an auxiliary passage provided between the boilers adjacenteach extremity of the unit.

3. A pair of horizontal boilers integrally connected together throughouttheir entire lengths to provide a junction, a longitudinally extendingslot provided in the junction, and a plurality of tubes secured in anupstanding position in said slot providing a plurality of passagescommunicatively connecting together the interiors of said boilers.

at. A pair of horizontal boilers, one above the other engaging eachother throughout their entire lengths, means along the sides and ends ofthe boilers for uniting them together, a longitudinally extending narrowopening provided between the boilers where engaged, and a row ofrelatively short tubes permanently united together and to the boilersdisposed in said opening roviding a plurality of passages establishingcommunication between the interiors of the boilers, the upperextremities of the tubes terminating adjacent the center of the upperboiler stituting a unitary assembly secured in a vertical positionwithin the opening and in the same plane as the axes of the boiler andgenerator providing passages between the boiler and generator.

6. A first horizontal tubular boiler, a second horizontal tubular boilerof a size somewhat smaller than the first boiler engaging the firstboiler substantially throughout its entire length, means permanentlyuniting the boilers together at least adjacent their extremities, alongitudinally extending narrow slot provided in the second boiler, anda plurality of tubular means permanently secured in said slot andprojecting into said first boiler providing a plurality of passagescornmunicatively connecting the interiors of the boilers together.

7. A first horizontal tubular boiler, a second horizontal tubular boilerof a size somewhat smaller than the first boiler running substantiallythe full length of the latter, means permanently uniting the boilerstogether in close proximity to each other, a longitudinally extendingnarrow slot provided in the second boiler, and a plurality of tubularmeans permanently secured in said slot and projecting into said firstboiler providing a plurality of passages communicatively connect-,

ing the interiors of the boilers together.

J ERRY MANZER.

